This edition was prepared by André Vierendeels — free to download, print, rehearse and perform.
D'una guancia
Staff Notation • Secular, Lute songs
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D'una guancia by Giovanni Girolamo Kapsperger — Lyrics
D'una guanci'alma ridente
ch'arrossir fa in Ciel l'Aurora,
e d'un negr'occhio lucente,
ond'Amor' suo strale onora.
Porto in sen cocente dardo
ma la fiamm'ond'io tutt'ardo,
pale far' non son bastante,
che faro, misero amante.
Duol taciuto a morte mena,
dice Amor per farmi ardito
ma che pro s'ardisco a pena,
rimirar' chi m'ha ferito.
O se mai prendessi ardire,
di narrarle il mio martire,
qual vedrei l'almos’embiante,
che faro, misero amante.
Odo dir ch'a cori audaci
fu sovente'l Cielo grato,
ancor geli o lingua e taci,
su parliam di nostro stato.
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About D'una guancia
Giovanni Girolamo Kapsperger was a composer of the early Baroque period. This secular Italian song, D'una guancia, is set for two sopranos. The text speaks of a lover's torment, comparing the beloved's blushing cheek to the dawn and her shining dark eye to Cupid's arrow. The singer laments that his burning passion cannot be cooled and that unspoken sorrow drives him to death. He questions whether he dares to speak of his suffering, concluding with the plaintive refrain, 'What shall I do, wretched lover?' The composer’s work often explored the expressive capabilities of voice and lute, and this piece showcases his skill in setting poetic Italian text.
